Kale Chips

I’m super lucky, because I’m heading out on a Mexican vacation at the end of this week. My pale, sallow, vitamin D-deprived Seattle-living self is heading to Mexico, I can’t wait!

BUT. I’m a woman, I’m a baker, I have a passion for white flour and butter, and I’ll be in a bathing suit in short order.

So we all know what that means: lots and lots of kale chips as I simultaneously prep myself for seeing that big ball of yellow light in the sky, the one that I hear gives off warmth, makes things grow, and generally makes you feel good (and here I was thinking that it was just coffee that did that!)

I have to say, though, that I absolutely love kale chips. They’re crunchy and salty and a little chewy, and are surprisingly addictive. I’ve come close to eating a whole head of kale on a bunch of occasions – the only thing stopping me was the other set of hands snatching the chips away from me.

Lots of other bloggers are posting kale chips, too, and I think we all make the chips basically the same way. But, here are my specifics.

Gather ye self a glorious head of kale (this is lacinato, but any kind works)

tear the leaves up into pieces, wash and dry

moisturize with oil, sprinkle with salt, and spread onto a parchment-lined pan

Bake at 350 for 12 minutes, and viola!

Baked Kale Chips

1 tbsp olive oil

1 bunch of kale

kosher salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Stripping the leaves from the stalk, tear kale into bite-size pieces. Wash, then dry, torn leaves. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and mix until all pieces are coated with oil (no matter the size of the head of kale, 1 tbsp of oil has always worked well for me). Sprinkle with kosher salt, then spread out on a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes, and when you remember, stir the chips around – doing it once or twice is great. Remove from oven when the leaves are mostly crispy, and gobble!

I LOVE kale chips – such a great alternative snack. I sometimes add some garlic powder and red pepper flakes for a kick. I’ve also heard to grinding them up and sprinkling over popcorn! Haven’t tried that one yet though – but it would make a good excuse to eat more popcorn. Love the site redesign to!

Strudel and Streusel are two friends living in different cities, sharing a love of baking (and butter) through this blog. With Streusel in Denver, and Strudel in Seattle, we've found our little site to be a great way to stay in touch, share recipes we love, and talk about experiences in our respective cities.